Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Lord's Supper and All Saints Day
Lord's Supper and All Saints Day
Bob Cuffman
Scripture: Isaiah 40; Lamentations 3: 21-24; John 14: 27-28; Psalm 121
DECEMBER 19, 2021
Fourth Sunday of Advent
4:00 P.M. - “Happy Birthday, Jesus!” Party - Family Friendly in the Fellowship Hall with carol singing,
a Christmas story, candle lighting, and birthday cake.
When something hits close to home, it affects us deeply. During the Advent and
Christmas seasons, we journey through scriptures and rituals that are tender,
heavy with emotion, and vulnerable. We carry the memories and truths of this season close to our
hearts.
This Advent and Christmas season we will be exploring the theme of “Close to Home.” It
acknowledges the “already but not yet” tension of our faith: Emmanuel is with us, and yet, God’s
promised day – our everlasting home – is not fully realized. It names our deep longing for God to
come close to us.
The Advent and Christmas scriptures are rich with home metaphors and imagery:
John the Baptist prophesies about the One who is to come, but reminds us that we are still
wandering far from God’s promised day; his message hits close to home, especially for those
experiencing inequity and oppression.
After receiving the angel’s news, Mary retreats to Elizabeth’s home, seeking refuge and
safety.
Christ is born in the midst of a journey home, in a crowded dwelling amidst livestock and
shepherds alike.
The Magi travel far from home to pay homage to Christ, and, having been warned in a
dream, they avoid Herod by traveling home another way.
In these scriptures, home is both physical and metaphorical, something we seek and something we
are called to build. Ultimately, God is our home and resting place. God draws near and makes a
home on earth – sacred ground is all around us.
“Close to Home” also names the pain many of us will carry into this season. The holidays can trigger
our grief. Many will be missing loved ones lost to sickness and tragedy. The traumas of the
pandemic will still be with us. Many will have lost homes – due to natural disasters, economic
hardship, and unjust policies. Many do not feel safe in their own homes due to poor living
conditions or harmful family dynamics. Many feel alone and isolated at home. Churches are
discerning transitions with their physical buildings; many of our spiritual homes are changing.
This Advent, may we be comforted by the One who dwells intimately with us. May we expand
safety and sanctuary for everyone wandering far from home. May we come home, wherever home
is found, to live fully with joy, hope, and courage. I hope you will join us as we go “home”
together.
Peace-
Pastor Leigh 3
Don’t forget to order your Christmas poinsettias this year! These flowers will adorn our
chancel for our Christmas Eve service. Order forms are available on the worship tables as
you enter our church. Sunday, December 5th will be the last Sunday to turn in your order
form. Poinsettias are $6.50 this year and will again be ordered from Gumto Greenhouses.
Please use one order form per plant and turn them in to the church office or put them in the
collection plate. Make sure monies (0ne check for multiple plants is fine) are securely
attached to the order form and that checks have “poinsettias” in the memo line.
oinsettias
$6.50 each
PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY THE WAY YOU WISH NAMES TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE BULLETIN
OR
In honor of: _____________________________________________________________________________
A Choral Ensemble is being put together for our Christmas Eve service. ALL are
welcome to join. Please see Becky Plymale to sign up and for more information.
4
Everything from Soup to Nuts: Snack Drive for Hospital Workers
At one time it was a phrase commonly heard, “From soup to nuts.” A quick google search reveals it
originated in the 1800s and referred to a full course dinner, which typically started with some type of
soup and ended with port wine served with nuts. For reference, a full course meal could be anywhere
from four to sixteen courses served sequentially.
Yes, SIXTEEN courses! All that leisurely dining—who has that kind of time today?! But I digress
(and certainly not those working in health care!) However, from soup to nuts is exactly what Kathleen
Davis and Maryanne Puente found recently when they began dividing the “snacks” you donated for
Butler Memorial Hospital healthcare workers. Specifically, the food was to go to four different floors:
6, 7, ICU, and the Emergency Department.
Your donations were perfectly awesome! Every floor received a bit of every type of food donated.
From breakfast bars and oatmeal to tuna and other quick protein, soups and miscellaneous hot food,
there was something for any hour of the day. There was fruit and apple sauce, juice, and an almost
endless array of salty and sweet snacks. Your generosity covered every detail. It truly was from soup
to nuts! Interestingly, back to the google search, it also stated that in current US informal “slang”, the
phrase means: covering every detail or part of something.
Thank you Hill Church for continually sharing love. This time it was food for healthcare workers,
many of whom are being challenged on a daily basis. Your donations (filling the backs of two cars)
were deeply appreciated!
As we look ahead to the rapidly approaching new year, the flower chart for 2022 will again be electroni-
cally maintained and updated by Elean Heist in the church office. If you would like to give chancel flowers
in memory or honor of loved ones, please contact Elean via phone or email or turn in the attached form.
Should your first choice date not be available, she will contact you to confirm your date. You may pay at a
later time. The flower donation is $30; please include FLOWERS on the memo line of your check.
Our Deacons have resumed their ministry of delivering the chancel flowers to friends at home and in care
facilities. However, you always have the option and are most welcome to take your flowers (in their con-
tainers) after worship on the Sunday of your donation.
THANK YOU for helping to brighten our chancel as you remember or honor loved ones!
Chancel Flowers Request Form
Toys will be collected through December 5th. Please leave your unwrapped toy donations on
the table in the Overflow.